For anyone keen on getting outdoors, the nature of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern provides a range of sights that will enchant and amaze. As the least densely populated state in Germany, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has nature in abundance and something to suit everyone. Enjoy Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in its pristine, natural beauty, explore national parks, UNESCO world natural heritage sites and the dance of the cranes.
Coastal adventures
With the Baltic Sea as a backdrop, the coastline of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern provides visitors with many attractions. Among the most famous are the chalk cliffs on the Island of Rügen, where they rise above the sea to an impressive 118m. Rügen, Germany's largest island, is also blessed with long, sandy beaches suitable for all ages due to the lack of tides. The Island of Usedom is also home to some wonderful beaches and the Usedom Botanical Gardens.
Natural wonders
Nature in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern varies widely, with abundant birdlife, the red deer of the National Park of Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft, the brown bear sanctuary of Bärenwald Müritz and the Ozeaneum aquarium in Stralsund.
As mentioned, birds are a major feature of nature in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – witnessing the dance of the cranes around the lakes and shallow waters is a must-see for wildlife lovers. From March to April and September to October, the birds flock in enormous numbers, unlike anywhere else in central Europe.
World heritage sites
The region has two UNESCO world heritage sites, namely beech forests in both Jasmund and Müritz national parks. Providing habitats for varied flora and fauna, the forests have well-marked paths easily explored on foot. Müritz National Park is also part of the Lake District, which contains Germany's largest lake, Müritz, as well as nature parks among the rivers and lakes of Mecklenburg.
